Jumping into the world of supply teaching for the first time? It’s an exciting, rewarding, and unique adventure that lets you experience different schools and find the ones that truly suit you. But let’s be honest, that first day can also bring a few nerves. What if there’s no lesson plan? How do you manage a new class? What should you even pack?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you! At Excell Supply, we’re committed to supporting our teachers every step of the way. That’s why we’ve created a brand-new YouTube video packed with our top ten essential tips to help you find your feet and walk into any classroom with confidence from the mind of our Education Advisor Nia!
Watch the full video below, and then read on for a sneak peek of the brilliant advice inside!
A Glimpse into the Guide: Three Essential Tips
Ready for a taster? Here are three game-changing tips from our video that will help make your first day a massive success.
1. Always Pack Your ‘Bag of Tricks’
The golden rule of supply teaching is to be prepared. Sometimes you’ll arrive at a school to find detailed plans, but other times, you might find nothing is left for you. When there’s no plan, you are the plan!
Your ‘bag of tricks’ is your secret weapon. Be sure to stock it with tried-and-tested resources that can work for any year group.
- For the class: Never underestimate the power of a good storybook! They are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from creative writing sessions to PHSE discussions about kindness and resilience. Other great resources to have on hand include times tables games , phonics mats for EYFS/KS1 , and links to free online tools like MathsBot and Once Upon a Picture.
- For you: Don’t forget your own essentials! Teaching is hungry work, so pack a hearty lunch and snacks. A water bottle, your own tea bags or coffee, headache tablets, and a pair of trainers for PE or break duty are also non-negotiables that will make your day smoother.
2. Build Relationships from the Start
Even if you’re only in a school for one day, building relationships is vital. It sets the tone for the entire day and fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Start the morning with a quick check-in, allowing the children to tell you their names and something small about themselves. Making an effort to learn even a few names quickly builds a connection. And don’t forget your most valuable resource: the classroom Teaching Assistant! Your TA is your saviour; they know the routines, the children’s needs, and how the classroom runs. Work with them collaboratively—they are the superheroes who keep the class running smoothly!
3. Establish Expectations Early (and Calmly!)
First impressions matter, and the way you begin the day can shape the rest of it. Children will naturally test the boundaries with a new teacher, so it’s important to be warm, but confident.
Set a positive tone by praising good behaviour from the outset. A simple, “I love how you’re sitting ready to learn, thank you!” is far more effective than calling out bad behaviour. Stick to the school’s behaviour policy and focus on calm, restorative conversations if issues arise. Remember, building respect comes from calm authority and kindness, not from raising your voice.
Watch the Full Video for More!
This is just the start! Our new video dives into all ten tips, including how to keep children busy during unstructured time , why you should always stick to the class routine , the importance of professionalism , and how to reflect and reset after each day.
Ready to Start Your Supply Teaching Adventure?
At Excell Supply, we specialise in finding fantastic supply teaching and teaching assistant jobs for our candidates across North Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire, and the Wirral. If you’re looking for a supportive agency that’s with you for every step of your journey, get in touch with our friendly team today!
Enjoy it! Supply teaching is a chance to make a real difference, one day at a time.
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